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Guest Interview: JJ says Never be afraid to try something new

When President Obama came to Kenya, he gave an inspiring speech at the Safaricom Indoor Area. One section particularly stands out;There’s a proverb that says, “We have not inherited this land from our forebears, we have borrowed it from our children.” In other words, we study the past so it can guide us into the future, and inspire us to do better.

And when it comes to the people of Kenya — particularly the youth — I believe there is no limit to what you can achieve. A young, ambitious Kenyan today should not have to do what my grandfather did, and serve a foreign master. You don’t need to do what my father did, and leave your home in order to get a good education and access to opportunity. Because of Kenya’s progress, because of your potential, you can build your future right here, right now.

Jamila J. (Follow @mombasa_gal) is one among many such young, ambitious Kenyans who received an education in the US and could have stayed there but chose not to because she missed home and she wanted to be part of the change and the growth happening in Mombasa. When she landed in Kenya, she did what everybody usually does after graduation; she got a job. A few years later, she built built her online presence and social media marketing skills, and decided to traverse the treacherous waters of entrepreneurship by starting her own partnership company – Muse Digital- where her official title is a Communications Specialist.

Below are some questions she was kind enough to answer on how she keeps herself productive and on top of everything on her to-do list.

One word that best describes how you work: CreativeCurrent computer: Dell inspironCurrent phone: Iphone 5s and sony xperia zWhat’s your sleep routine like? Are you a night owl or early-riser? It depends with the week sometimes early riser sometimes a night owl. It depends how much work I have.Do you have a morning routine? Apart from checking social media for trending topics for my work, no.What’s the best career decision you ever made? Quitting my job and starting a partnership company.How do you stay creative in your field? By going out a lot and meeting other people. Going to plays, festivals and any art related event.What does a day in your working life look like? Waking up going through social media, then head to work.How do you balance work and social life? It’s tough, but I am thankful my work lets me have a social life.What’s your best time-saving shortcut or life hack? I would say knowing how to use a thread and needle will save you from a lot of embarrassing moments.What apps, software, or tools can’t you live without? True caller and calendarTruecaller is an interesting choice. Why do you use it? I could know who is calling, makes it easier when I am answering. it prepares me for the conversation. Also, I get prank callers, so it helps in saving my time.What’s your workspace setup like? Just a desk and my laptop at the moment. We are still setting up a new office.What’s your favorite to-do list manager? Just a regular notebook. Every morning I write down the things I need to do and tick every time I complete a task.What everyday thing are you better at than everyone else? I just try to be myself. I don’t compete with anyone, and I put my 100% effort.What are you currently reading? Enjoy your life by Dr Muhammad Al-arifiHow do you recharge? Taking a break for a weekend and going on a random photoshoot.What’s the best book you’ve ever read?Don’t sweat the small stuff it’s all small stuff by Richard Carlson.What’s the best advice you’ve ever received? Be who you are, be unique.Is there anything else you’d like to add that might be interesting to readers? I just want to say, never be afraid to try something new. You will be surprised on the things you will learn. Above all be yourself always.

This follows the format of How I work series on lifehacker.com focusing on inspiring millenials coming from the AMEA (Asian, Middle Eastern and African) regions. If you’d like to be featured, send me an email with a short bio for consideration; ahscribbles1@gmail.com or ahechoes@gmail.com. Please note that not everybody who emails will be featured.